Weekend On The Slopes Of Skiddaw
11 people attending
9 places left
At 1550ft above sea level, Skiddaw House is the highest hostel in Britain. It was built around 1829 as a 'Keeper's lodge' and grouse shooting base for George Wyndham, the third Earl of Egremont. The building was originally divided into two separate dwellings; one side for the gamekeeper and his family and the other for a shepherd's family. The Earl and his shooting parties also had a few rooms to stay in when they came to visit. In 1986 the two dwellings were converted into the hostel it is today.
Skiddaw House operated as a youth hostel from 1987 until 2002, when it closed and began to fall into disrepair again. But with the help of the previous hostel manager, many volunteers and the Skiddaw House Foundation, the hostel was renovated and reopened in 2007. The building retains many original features, which combined with its interesting history and remote location make the hostel a unique place to stay.
One of the great features of Skiddaw House is its remote location, offering stunning views of the surrounding Lakeland fells. This venue is an OutdoorLads favourite and is truly special, right from the moment you park up you'll understand why this is so glorious!
However, the remote nature of the hostel means it is lacking the mod cons we may be used to, such as heating. Don't panic, there are a number of open fires throughout the building which helps keep it warm, but the bedrooms do not have any heating. Full bedding of 15tog duvets and pillow are provided but some may prefer to pack their own sleeping bag. Boots are also not allowed to be worn inside so we recommend packing slippers too!
Itinerary
Friday Afternoon/Evening - Arrive at the car park for 2pm, meet the rest of the group and we will hike up to the hostel together, sharing the load of weekend food supply bags. Welcome briefing and we'll have the usual OutdoorLads buffet so please bring something that can be shared between two people (doesn't need to be complicated).
Saturday Day - A simple breakfast of cereals/toast/fruit will be available, and we will be looking to put on two, or possibly three, big walks for the day, at least two Mountain walks in the immediate area. With hits like Skiddaw and Blencathra on our doorstep there are excellent options all around.
Saturday Evening - Pop the feet up and unwind from the days activities. We will be putting together a two course meal (main and dessert) to warm you all up again, followed by some games and good laughs.
Sunday - Breakfast is provided for once more then we'll all band together to tidy and clean up the hostel to how we found it (takes no time at all with so many) before we need to vacate by 11am. At this point some of our number may wish to return home while others may want to enjoy another smaller walk or visit to Keswick.
Beds: There are two double beds in the hostel. Please let the leader know when you book if you are coming with a partner or friend you are happy to share a bed with, so that we can enable as many people as possible to join this weekend.
Skiddaw House requires a 1 hour hike to access it from the car park. To ensure everyone arrives safely we ask that all attendees meet at the car park for 2pm Friday so that we can hike up together. You will need to carry everything you need for the weekend including food and drink, in one trip - so pack light!
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement, in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
Photos: Provided by event leader with permission for use.
What to bring
Hand sanitiser and a face covering: whilst we are living with Covid-19, please bring your own to events to help keep everyone safe
Water: bring at least two litres in a water bottle, or better still, a hydration bladder
Medicines: if you have hay fever, diabetes, minor ailments etc.
Day Rucksack: typically 20-30 litres, they are comfortable to wear and allow you to use your arms freely
Waterproof bags: keep spare clothing, electronics and anything else dry even when your rucksack leaks by using Ziploc type food bags or, better still, outdoor activity waterproof bags
Boots: waterproof and breathable hiking boots with good ankle support
Gaiters: recommended for wet weather or boggy conditions
Socks: proper walking socks will keep your feet dry and help prevent blisters, and carry a spare, dry pair
Walking Poles: always optional, love them or hate them, but give them a try and decide for yourself
Layered clothing: lets you quickly adapt to changes in the weather and body temperature. Go for a base layer (vest or t-shirt) and a mid layer (a micro fleece or shirt) and in cooler weather add an outer layer (a windproof jacket or thick fleece)
Trousers: no jeans as they become heavy and cold in the rain, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry and on warm days shorts are OK
Waterproof jacket: essential when hiking in all but the calmest of weather, breathable fabrics are more comfortable and dry.
Gloves: Windproof, or better still, waterproof gloves are the best choice, bring a spare pair if expecting rain.
Hat or cap: stay warm in winter and shaded in summer
Sunglasses: for any sunny day, even in winter
Sun cream: can be useful even on cloudy and winter days
Snacks: bring biscuits, energy bars, gels, bananas, chocolate or dried fruit for example and put them somewhere easy to get hold of
Lunch: bring a packed lunch unless otherwise stated
Emergency equipment: the walk leader will bring any emergency equipment required for the group, but you are welcome to bring any that you have, such as additional high energy food, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire (either storm proof matches or a firelighter
Map and compass: the walk leader will have these, but if you like map reading or want to develop your skills, bring yours along
Mobile Phone: keep it in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies, and a spare battery/charger is a good idea
In addition to the kit lists relevant to the walk activities, bring:
Bedding: Bedding is provided (15tog duvet and pillow) but some might prefer the comfort of their own sleeping bag
Wash kit: remember to include a towel, shower gel and shampoo
Flip Flops: or something similar to wear in the, usually wet, communal shower room
Earplugs: for the shared sleeping arrangements
Slippers: Unusual for hostels, but there's a No Boots Inside rule at Skiddaw House so some thick warm socks or slippers will keep you comfy
Food & drink
Included in the event cost - Saturday and Sunday Breakfasts (Cereals/Toast/Fruit), Saturday Dinner (two course, main and dessert)
Please bring something suitable for the 'Friday Night Buffet' and make plans for Saturday lunchtime (Packed Lunch). For the buffet, bring along an item that can feed 1-2 people. Quiche is the too familiar favourite, so be a little creative as not all of our members are carnivores, also we have minimal fridge space available.
Tea and Coffee: Will be provided throughout the weekend.
Other drinks and snacks: Please bring your own. Remember you're bringing everything on your back so choose wisely and sparingly. There is a small shop run by the hostel manager with a variety of drinks ("a large selection of local ales, plus cider, lager, wines and whisky") and snacks available for purchase FOR CASH ONLY.